When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

Text by Isaac Watts

Setting

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About this hymn

Historical background

Isaac Watts published this meditation on the cross in 1707; this edition uses Lowell Mason’s nineteenth-century tune Hamburg.

Theology & Scripture

The cross relativizes pride and worldly gain and calls for a whole-life response to Christ’s self-giving love.

Gal 6:14 · Rom 7:24

Musical background

Hamburg is presented in the documented public-domain setting named by the source score. This edition contains four-part SATB harmony in F.

Sources & rights

Verified for United States on 2026-10-12. Public domain — source score marking

Words: Isaac Watts, 1707. Music: 'Hamburg', Lowell Mason, 1824. Setting: "Northfield Hymnal", 1904. copyright: public domain. This score is a part of the Open Hymnal Project, 2014 Revision.
Music source: "Northfield Hymnal", 1904 Hymn 210. ABC file contributed to the Open Hymnal by Tobin Strong, 20 Dec 2013.
composite from "The Anglican hymn Book", 1871 hymn 127 and "Hymns Ancient and Modern", 1869 Hymn 101.